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Official Website of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas

  • www.cfo.gov.ph
  • www.cfo.gov.ph
  • www.cfo.gov.ph
  • www.cfo.gov.ph
  • www.cfo.gov.ph
  • www.cfo.gov.ph
  • www.cfo.gov.ph
Guidance and Counseling Program PDF Print

Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as spouses and other partners of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling program as a pre-requisite to the issuance of passports.

The objective of this program is to help Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals make informed decisions regarding their marriage to foreign nationals and to prepare them for their adjustments in cross-cultural marriages.

Among others, Filipino spouses and other partners are provided with the following information:

  • Migration laws affecting them;
  • Welfare and support services available abroad;
  • Rights of migrants overseas; and
  • Coping up with problematic or difficult domestic situations.

The conduct of guidance and counseling was devolved to two NGOs, namely the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) and the People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization (PRISM).


Requirements for Guidance Counseling

  1. Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
  2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form;
  3. If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)
  4. Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
  5. Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.
Note: After attending the guidance and counseling requirements, the CFO issues the guidance and counseling certificate. After receipt of the passport and visa, Filipino spouses and other partners of foreign nationals will have to register with CFO prior to their departure. Registration is done either in CFO Manila or Cebu Extension Office, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An emigrant registration sticker is affixed to the emigrant's passport as proof of registration.


Requirements for Registration

  1. Original Passport;
  2. Original and photocopy of visa;
  3. Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada bound/ Certification of Eligibility (for Japan-bound);
  4. Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;
  5. Duly completed emigrant registration form; and
  6. Payment of the authorized registration fee.


Schedule of Guidance and Counseling Session

Schedule of Guidance and Counseling Sessions in Metro Manila
Destination Country Day Time
North America
United States of America Monday to Friday 10:00 am
1:30 pm
3:30 pm
Canada Tuesday and Friday 1:30 pm
Asia-Pacific
Japan Monday to Friday 10:00 am
1:30 pm
3:30 pm
Australia Monday to Friday 3:30 pm
New Zealand Wednesday 3:30 pm
Taiwan Tuesday and Friday 10:00 am
South Korea and other Asia-Pacific Countries Tuesday and Thursday 1:30 pm
Europe
Germany Monday, Wednesday & Friday 1:30 pm
United Kingdom Tuesday and Thursday 10:00 am
Sweden Monday 10:00 am
Norway Monday 1:30 pm
Denmark Tuesday 3:30 pm
Belgium Wednesday 10:00 am
The Netherlands Wednesday 1:30 pm
Italy Thursday 10:00 am
France Friday 3:30 pm
Other European Countries Monday 3:30 pm
Other Countries
Middle East and African Countries Thursday 3:30 pm
South / Latin American Countries Monday 3:30 pm